Use large marigolds like 'Giant Orange' Africans to anchor an arrangement that includes a mix of other, smaller flowers and greenery. In addition to 'Giant Orange,' this McCoy vase holds 'Tangerine Gem' marigolds, Zinnia 'Queen Red Lime', 'Yves Piaget' roses and two scented geraniums: 'Concolor Lace' and 'Lady Plymouth.'

Nearly everything tastes better with a sprinkle of freshness. Garnish your table with clutches of fresh herbs in vintage mustard tins. Pour some water in the bottom so the cuttings won't wilt. Serve bruschetta, pasta or salad and encourage guests to liven entrees with snips from the herbs. Make several and send them home with guests as tasty party favors.

In a large clear container, what’s in the water is as important as what is above it. Distilled water in a clean glass vase shows off scrubbed carrots and kohlrabi with leaves attached, along with large branches of green cherry tomatoes. A vintage silver-plated tray under the vase reflects light into the arrangement.

White hydrangeas look lovely in recycled cans. Continue the recycling theme by reusing newspaper sections as place mats. For this black-and-white setting, the arts section sets a classy tone. For a more festive look, use the comics.

A rectangular planter looks nice on a long picnic table, and fresh moss adds a lush, natural feel. Scatter gray river rocks around the planter and embellish with attractive insect-repelling candles for a carefree evening.

Beachy colors of blue and yellow take to the porch in this summertime setting. Silver lanterns add sparkle, but for a spark of surprise, we left the candles outside and filled the lantern with sunny yellow lemons for this luncheon.

Old metal boxes and lunch pails make great vintage holders for your favorite indoor arrangements. White hydrangeas, viburnum, and paperwhites complement any color container. Display the planter on a vintage dish for added style.

A vintage silver water pitcher shows off bundles of red and white radishes, secured with rubber bands around the stems. Radish leaves and red onions sporting roots add more color and texture to this arrangement of edibles.

For a glowing evening, fill hurricane vases with sand and fat white candles. Place the candle keepers in the center of your table, and after your meal, use them to line porch steps or define the edges of a patio or walkway.

Start by nesting a small vase inside a large one (we used 4- and 6-inch square vases). Slip lemon and/or lime slices between the two; fill the gap with water. We completed our centerpiece with an arrangement of punchy peonies, roses, salvias, alliums, geraniums and orchids.

Cut stems short and poke in floral picks or wooden skewers. Fit the pitcher with floral foam to anchor the skewers, then arrange like flowers. To keep your bouquet fresh longer, store in the fridge at night.

For a striking centerpiece that's super easy, surround a glass hurricane lamp with a jumble of the day's most colorful veggies. Go for contrasts in color, shape, and texture, and mound the pieces around the lamp, starting with the largest ones. Green beans, chile peppers and cherry tomatoes make great accents. Fill in with garden-fresh herb sprigs.

Keep the ambience natural with elements such as a handsome wooden table topped with a natural-fiber tablecloth. A terra-cotta pot holds herbs. Freshly baked bread makes a mouthwatering centerpiece for this dinner party.

Set a serene tone with natural elements. A leafy variegated hosta stands out against slabs of dark slate. Scattered small stones provide muted tones and simple adornment to the otherwise austere table. Reserve some stones as placeholders personalized with silver paint pen.

Display a rainbow of garden blooms in a colorful assortment of glassware. Continue the whimsical arrangements with alternating colors and patterned placemats. Mingle in the season's fruits — peaches, strawberries and blueberries — for fresh decor.